Your satisfaction and happiness is something that is very important to us. We understand how hectic and stressful it can be to sell a house and it can be even more difficult if it's not handled properly. To help you through the entire process, we've put together five simple steps:

Step 1: Decide to Sell

When you sell, you want to get as much value as you can for your home. So you might want to consider the timing of the sale because it definitely has an effect on the value. You don't really want to sell when it's a "buyer's market," if you can avoid it. Too many homes for sale and not enough buyers equals margin compression for the seller. The season is something to consider as well because typically more homes are sold in the spring than in the winter, although pinpointing just when that spring season demand will start takes a savvy, watchful eye. What they say in real estate is true: timing is everything!

You can truly leverage equity by enhancing the attractiveness of your house. There are various ways to do this and it all depends on the amount of time and resources required. You can renovate your house by remodeling or just freshen up the walls with a new coat of paint, and everything in between. From the exterior curb appeal to the interior decor, we are here with the experience, affiliate services, and know how to guide you through the best improvements that net the highest return on investment.

Pre-home inspections are also a tool to consider that assists in proving the value of your home. Buyers will usually ask for a home inspection, so if you do it ahead of time it will definitely impress them. It also gives you a chance to prevent unpleasant surprises and make any major repairs before coming to the market. We'll discuss this option together and see if it's right for you.

Now you're ready for the for sale sign!

Step 2: Hire Us

Out of the thousands of real estate agents available to hire, we have the knowledge and experience, the insight and understanding, and most of all...the passion for our community to position your property and leverage your equity to maximally benefit your family. Navigating the very best sale process for you is our inherent value and our greatest privilege.

We act as your representative, your trusted advisor and your counselor and will ardently protect your best interests at all times. Your trust and confidence in our team is not something we take for granted. Ever. Its something we have earned, one sale at a time, year after exceptional year. Our incredible sales team has been hand selected, an elite composition of distinguished business leaders, industry movers and shakers, and brilliant entrepreneurs. This iconic real estate team prides itself on delivering unparalleled client services to homeowners across the Durham Region. We are highly trained, enthusiastic professionals who know the floorplans, styles, developments, builders, neighbourhoods, communities and towns of the Durham Region inside and out. And we know how to market, promote and negotiate the listings we represent. We offer exemplary client services to help you accomplish your goal of top value for your precious home.

Step 3: List your Home

The next step, of course, is bringing your property onto the market. Valuating your house and setting a price involves hours of research and analysis and finishes with a strategic game plan to net you top dollar. A report on market data will be compiled to properly value your home based on the prices in your area, but because our market is just like any other market -- constantly in flux -- it is imperative that our research and analysis remain ongoing throughout the length of the listing to keep you abreast of market changes and how they may affect your value. This is our never-ending promise to you: constant, informed communication.

As we launch your property onto the market, we employ dozens of promotional and advertising tools to position your property for immediate action. Utilizing various media outlets and listing sites such as the incredible worldwide reach of global.remax.com creates strong buyer interest. Posting on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), social media outlets and websites are just a fraction of what we do to expose your home to potential buyers. With professional photography and video support, your home will shine but remember, our RE/MAX Jazz tour, Agent Reception, and Open Houses are still terrific ways to showcase your home too.

Step 4: Receive an Offer

Not all offers are equal and that's where our experience comes in. They will help you understand the import of the terms and conditions included, weigh the price being offered, assess the buyer's financial situation, and discuss the merits of the inclusions and exclusions the buyer is requesting. It is never just about the price of the home. We have to carefully look at all the other details included in the sale. Appliances, chandeliers, or even minor renovations can also be part of the deal. Shorter or longer closing dates can also affect your ultimate decision.

If there is something in the offer that doesn't satisfy you, counter offers or negotiations can also be presented to help get you what you want. That's what we are here for: to negotiate on your behalf and to your benefit.

Step 5: Close the Sale

There will be closing costs associated with the sale that need to be paid either by or on the closing date and we will review these with you carefully. Often mortgage penalties are not known by the seller up front, but we ensure that you do know all of the potential costs that you may incur when selling. Once that's taken care of, you can pass your keys to the new owners.

Congrats! You've officially sold your property!

RE/MAX Jazz is the trusted source on residential trends in Durham Region, an area loaded with diverse micro markets comprised of emerging, established and luxury neighbourhoods and both urban and rural settings. Our uncompromising obsession with all things real estate means that we stay ahead of the curve. It means we are nimble. We recognize changes across every value spectrum in real time and respond appropriately for the benefit of our buyers and sellers. Whether buying or selling, you can rest assured knowing that you will be represented by some of the best the industry has to offer.

Maintaining high ideals for both our clients and our sales representatives, our talent pool is second to none and committed to saving you time, money and aggravation. We are a leadership brokerage where sales representatives and brokers receive the tools and training, guidance and assurance to achieve exemplary outcomes for their clients.

Your home is your most valuable and cherished asset. When listing it for sale, you need a brokerage that understands the subtle nuances of the transaction, one that carries and informed perspective on the market and is the expert in your location. Just as importantly, you need one that offers indomitable market share in production, a commendable level of discretion and accountability and a trusted network that has you covered.

We help people achieve the lifestyle of their dreams, not just buy or sell a house.

Understanding Market Conditions

The real estate market is in a constant state of flux, not unlike any other market, be it stocks, bonds or commodities. Within the whole are sub and mini markets that can perform, at any given time, vastly different than the generalized macro market. Knowing what is going on in the overall and local real estate markets will help you understand how these conditions can affect the sale of your home. We've designated the following comparison to help give you an overview of the three significant market positions. When you meet with your RE/MAX Jazz sales professional, they will review these marketplace realities with you in detail.

Buyers Market:

The supply of homes on the market exceeds demand.

Characteristics:

High inventory of homes. Few buyers compared to availability. Homes stay on the market longer. Prices are less than stable or perhaps dropping.

Implications:

Buyers spend more time looking for a home, and when they negotiate, they usually have more leverage.

Sellers Market:

The number of potential buyers exceeds the supply of homes on the market.

Characteristics:

There is a smaller inventory of homes with many buyers. Homes sell quickly. Prices usually increase.

Implications:

Prices may be higher or perhaps climbing. Buying decisions must be made quickly. Conditional offers may be rejected.

Balanced Market:

The number of homes on the market is roughly equal to the demand.

Characteristics:

Demand equals supply. Sellers accept reasonable offers. Homes sell within a reasonable time period. Prices generally remain stable.

Implications:

There is less tension among buyers and sellers. There is a reasonable number of homes to choose from.

It simply makes sense to clean up both the interior and exterior of your home before listing it for sale. But that doesn't mean you have to undertake major home renovation projects on order to sell your home. With a little effort you can increase the perceived value of your home by a great margin.

Here are some simple things to keep in mind that you can do to increase the perceived value of your home and make the perfect first impression.

Exterior of Home

• Keep lawns cut
• Trim hedges and bushes
• Weed and edge gardens
• Clear driveway and clean stains
• Clean out garage
• Power wash home exterior
• Touch up paint
• Plant colorful flowers

At The Front Door

• Clean porch and foyer
• Ensure door bell works
• Repair any broken screens
• Fresh paint or varnish front door
• Repair any damages to the door and/or locks

Setting the Right Mood

• Make sure your home smells fresh and clean
• Turn on lights
• Turn on air conditioner/heater
• Open the drapes
• Light the fireplace

Maximize Open Space

• Clear halls and stairs of clutter
• Clear kitchen counter and stove top
• Clear closets of unnecessary items
• Remove empty boxes and storage
• Put away personal photos so buyers can envision the house as theirs

Maintenance

• Repair leaking taps and toilets
• Clean furnace and filters
• Tighten door knobs and latches
• Repair cracked plaster
• Apply fresh coat of pain or touch up where necessary
• Clean and repair windows

• Repair seals around tubs and basins
• Replace defective light bulbs
• Oil squeaking doors
• Repair squeaking floor boards

Squeaky Clean

• Clean and freshen bathrooms
• Clean fridge and stove
• Clean around heating vents
• Clean washer and dryer
• Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
• Eliminate pet odors and stains